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Eli Werdesheim not going to jail in black teenager's beating

Judge sentences Werdesheim to probation in 2010 incident

Updated: 8:52 AM EST Dec 18, 2013

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WBAL-TV\Lowell Melser

Family attorney Andrew Alperstein speaking to the media after Eli Werdesheim's sentencing. Werdesheim is seen to the right of Alperstein (wearing the suit and brown tie). His brother, Avi, who was acquitted in the trial, stands to the left of Alperstein.

SOURCE: WBAL-TV\Lowell Melser

Eli Werdesheim not going to jail in black teenager's beating

Judge sentences Werdesheim to probation in 2010 incident

Updated: 8:52 AM EST Dec 18, 2013

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BALTIMORE —

The man convicted in the beating of a black boy in 2010 will face no jail time.

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Pamela White, who presided over the trial, sentenced Eli Werdesheim on Wednesday to three years in prison and three years of probation. The prison time was suspended.

The sentence comes almost two months after White found Werdesheim guilty on misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and second-degree assault, but acquitted his brother, Avi.

As members of the Jewish neighborhood watch group, Shomrim, the brothers were accused of beating a teenager in the 3200 block of Fallstaff Road in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood on Nov. 19, 2010. Eli Werdesheim had testified in his own defense that he was trying to diffuse a situation that turned into a huge misunderstanding.

Werdesheim attorney Andrew Alperstein said the family felt the judge's decision is just.

"I think it was very fair result of a bad situation, and he's going to do what he needs to do to accept responsibility and be a good contributor to our community, and he'll do the probation as the judge has ordered and he's happy to do it," Alperstein said.

Before Wednesday's sentencing, White reviewed more than 100 letters explaining how much of an asset Eli Werdesheim is to the community. Nine additional members echoed those letters, speaking on Eli Werdesheim's behalf in court, describing him as a kind person who was always doing what he could to better his community.

Werdesheim also had a chance to address the court, saying he never intended to hurt anyone. He also said he was sorry for the pain and suffering he has caused.

Jay Wyndal Gordon, an attorney for the victim's family, originally asked the court for jail time. He said the victim's family remains pleased with the outcome.

"As you know, this was a misdemeanor second-degree assault case, false imprisonment case, and, most times, you don't get any jail time, especially if you don't have a record, and obviously, (Eli) Werdesheim has done some great things in the past. So, this was consciousness and the right thing to do," Gordon said.

As part of Eli Werdesheim's probation rules, he must write a number of essays to the court about neighborhood diversity, citing community newsletters and various ethnic and religious newspapers. Alperstein said his client is up for the challenge.

"He's just such a special guy and he'll do well, and I think he's going to be fine," Alperstein said.